Cited by 1,240Psychology of Development and EducationEgo Development and Educational PracticesAging and Gerontology Research

Life Span Theory in Developmental Psychology

Baltes, Paul B., Lindenberger, Ulman, Staudinger, Ursula M.·2007·Handbook of Child Psychology

Abstract

Lifespan developmental psychology is an overarching framework, which considers the study of individual development (ontogenesis) from conception into old age. Efforts are made to highlight the uniqueness in developmental theory that emanates from a lifespan developmental framework. Models and definitions of successful (effective) development, which highlight individual and cultural variations, are a main focus of researchers in this field. The concept of lifespan developmental psychology was previously advanced to incorporate two approaches (i.e., wholistic person-centered and function-centered) to lifespan ontogenesis. Historical and societal contexts of theoretical arguments are discussed to embed the current issues surrounding lifespan psychology and its location in the larger field of developmental psychology. Five sequential but interrelated steps are presented to examine psychological theories of lifespan development. Two areas of human development are emphasized, intellectual functioning and personality, to illustrate lifespan research and theory. Work from these fields is presented to provide a theoretical umbrella under which lifespan research can be examined. The integrative role of lifespan theory in organizing and stimulating the study of personality development is offered.

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Authors
Baltes, P. B., Lindenberger, U., & Staudinger, U. M.
Affiliations
Max Planck Society (DE)
Venue
Handbook of Child Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-06
OpenAlex
W1795105315
Cited by
1,240
References
55
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 70 · 2022: 49 · 2021: 78 · 2020: 65 · 2019: 70 · 2018: 67 · 2017: 78 · 2016: 46 · 2015: 84 · 2014: 50 · 2013: 62 · 2012: 53
Type
other
Language
en
Open access
closed
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Psychology of Development and Education
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Ego Development and Educational Practices
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
Keywords
lifespan development, ontogeny, individual differences, cultural variation, person-centered approach, intellectual functioning, personality development, developmental theory

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